SKT and SKB are expanding the scope of quantum cryptography technology by commercializing quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) in international network sections.

SK Telecom announced on the 13th that it has commercialized PQC on a global VPN (Virtual Private Network) network that utilizes international networks.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is an encryption method that uses complex mathematical algorithms that are difficult to crack even with quantum computers. With the commercialization of PQC, the scope of quantum cryptography technology is expected to expand from QKD (quantum key distributor) and QRNG (quantum random number generator) to PQC (post-quantum cryptography), thereby enhancing security.

While QKD installs and operates a physical key distribution device for each section, PQC is implemented in a software manner and is evaluated as a complementary technology in terms of security and convenience.

We also demonstrated that PQC can be applied in international network sections where it is difficult to use QKD networks due to physical constraints.

SKB completed the installation of PQC-VPN through a S/W update in August and completed network testing overseas, including in the US and Japan. 'PQC-VPN' applies PQC public key encryption (PKE)/key distribution (KEM, Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and electronic signature (Signature) algorithms.

In particular, 'PQC-VPN' announced that it has adopted 'Crystal Kyber' and 'Crystal Delusion', which are the first in Korea to be evaluated as having excellent scalability and stability as final candidates for the PQC algorithm selected by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).

Meanwhile, SKT was the first in Korea to obtain KCMVP (National Intelligence Service Cryptographic Verification Module) certification for 10Gbps and 100Gbps cryptographic modules last year and completed the development of ‘quantum communication encryption equipment hybrid key combination’ technology.

Last May, the 'Hybrid Key Exchange Method Using QKD' proposed by ITU-T SG17 was finally approved, and at the ITU-T Information Security Study Group (SG 17) meeting held from August 22 to September 2, 'Security Requirements for Interoperability of Heterogeneous QKD Networks' was approved as a new standardization task.

Park Jong-kwan, head of SK Telecom’s infrastructure technology division, said, “Following QKD (quantum key distribution) and QRNG (quantum random number generator), with the commercialization of PQC (quantum-resistant cryptography), SK Telecom, as an AI service company, has acquired the technological prowess to lead overall quantum security technology.” He added, “We will continue to lead quantum cryptography technology and contribute to the revitalization of the quantum industry.”